Conical filter element with funnel directing particles to a trap

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter element (1, 31) for use as a particulate filter in a cooling circuit (100), in particular of an electrochemical energy converter, having a conical grid support structure (3, 33). The filter element features at a first axial end a supply opening (23, 49) for supplying a cooling medium to be filtered into the filter element (1, 31) and the grid support structure (3, 33) carries a filter medium (4, 34). The filter element (1, 31) has axially opposite the supply opening (23, 49) a funnel (16, 40) for axially discharging and collecting particulate impurities, and is closed at second axial end. The conical grid support (3, 33) structure tapers from the first axial end to the second axial end. An arrangement of a fuel cell (102) having a a cooling circuit (100) with the filter element is disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A conical particulate filter element comprising:
 a conically shaped grid support structure tapering from a first open end to a second end, and defining an interior space; 
 a filter medium fixedly supported by said conically shaped grid support structure; 
 a collection chamber disposed at, and closing, said second end of said of said conically shaped grid support structure; and 
 a funnel having a solid frustoconical sidewall with openings at either end, is disposed within said interior space and positioned to direct particulate through said funnel and into said collection chamber; 
 wherein a fluid to be filtered is introduced into said interior space through said open end, with particulates above a predetermined size being prevented from passing through said filter medium, and at least some particulates entering said funnel and being directed into said collection chamber. 
 
     
     
       2. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter medium is a screen mesh selected from the group consisting of: a metal mesh or a steel screen mesh. 
     
     
       3. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 2 , wherein an average mesh width of the screen mesh is between 70 μm and 120 μm. 
     
     
       4. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 1 , wherein the collection chamber is within an end cap or an end cap segment. 
     
     
       5. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 4 , wherein the end cap or end cap segment is integrally formed with said conically shaped grid support structure. 
     
     
       6. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 4 , wherein the end cap or end cap segment is detachably connected with said conically shaped grid support structure. 
     
     
       7. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 6 , wherein the end cap or end cap segment is threadably connected to said conically shaped grid support structure. 
     
     
       8. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 1 , wherein the funnel consists of a plastic material. 
     
     
       9. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 1 , wherein the funnel includes at least one support member extending downwardly from its radially outer circumferential edge and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of said funnel. 
     
     
       10. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 9 , wherein said at least one support member comprises a plurality of support feet spaced apart from each other. 
     
     
       11. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 9 , wherein said at least one support member comprises a cylinder. 
     
     
       12. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 11 , wherein said cylinder includes at least one return flow opening, which serves to return any fluid flowing into the collection chamber through the funnel back to the interior space, while particles remain in the collecting chamber. 
     
     
       13. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 1 , wherein said funnel openings include a first inlet opening having an inlet diameter and a second outlet opening having an outlet diameter; wherein the inlet diameter is at least 20% larger than the outlet diameter. 
     
     
       14. The conical particulate filter element according to  claim 1 , wherein the screen mesh is encapsulated and/or over-molded with a material of the grid support structure.